McDonald's proudly credits 29,000 British and Irish farmers as essential to its offerings, even as these farmers face a potentially devastating family farm tax that could target farms valued over £1m from April 2026.
The discussion then shifts to the broader implications of this tax policy. Rural experts warn that the proposed 20% inheritance tax could adversely affect up to 75% of farm businesses, forcing many farmers to break with tradition by selling off parts of or entire farms cultivated over generations. Since the controversial Budget by Rachel Reeves in October, the agricultural sector has been embroiled in a fierce battle for survival, with appeals for a policy review largely falling on deaf ears at the Treasury.
In response, an array of prominent supermarket chains—including Tesco, Waitrose, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons—has publicly denounced the tax changes, aligning themselves with the farmers in protest. Notably, Iceland’s leader also launched a strong verbal rebuke against the Treasury, criticizing the policy as a misstep against diligent British farmers. Meanwhile, campaign groups like No Farmers No Food have taken to social media to prompt influential companies, such as McDonald's, to further support the farming community openly.
The article concludes by stressing that while McDonald's has a longstanding reputation for backing British farmers through initiatives like its Farm Forward programme, its recent response to the crisis has been muted. With family farms at risk of being dismantled due to policies that do little to support their long-term viability, there is a pressing call for McDonald’s—and other major retailers—to join forces in urging the government to reconsider this damaging tax.
12 Comments
Donatello
“Really? All these claims about 29,000 hardworking farmers and their struggles seem exaggerated – maybe McDonald’s is just taking a safe political side.”
Michelangelo
“I think they’re overblowing the impact of the tax. Farms valued over £1m should be able to manage; it’s not the small farms that matter here.”
Leonardo
“Seeing that so many honest farmers are being sidelined by policies shows how disconnected our rulers are from rural realities.”
Raphael
“If we lose these family farms, we lose more than food – we lose a way of life. Let’s all demand a policy review for the sake of our countryside.”
Michelangelo
“This article nails it – policies that harm the very people who feed us must be rethought. The voice of the countryside matters!”
Muchacha
“This tax will devastate rural communities. We need more support and less indifference from both the government and corporate giants.”
Mariposa
“Family farms are the backbone of our countryside, and it’s heartbreaking to see them risked by a one-size-fits-all tax policy.”
Habibi
“Huge shout-out to the supermarket chains and groups like No Farmers No Food – it’s time for big names to stand with our farmers.”
Muchacho
“The silence from big names like McDonald’s on this issue is disappointing. They should be at the forefront advocating for farmers.”
Africa
“If our food is at risk, every company can make a difference. McDonald’s should use its clout to help safeguard the future of family farms.”
Habibi
“The government's policies are putting centuries of agricultural tradition in jeopardy. Now is the time to fight for our heritage.”
ArtemK
“It’s irresponsible to blame every government decision for ‘endangering’ farms. Tough economic realities affect all sectors.”